Jaw Pain. Solved.

Temporomandibular joint disorders affect Larkfield-Wikiup residents across age groups and professions. Stress-induced grinding and clenching are common among professionals working in healthcare (Kaiser, Santa Rosa) and education (SRJC). Younger residents may have bite misalignment or jaw trauma from sports or accidents. Older residents sometimes develop TMJ dysfunction from decades of grinding or bite changes. Neighborhoods like Mark West and Larkfield proper include many with undiagnosed jaw pain, headaches, or noise.

The proximity to Windsor (8 minutes) allows Larkfield residents to access Dr. Bonin's TMJ evaluation and custom guard therapy without excessive travel. Many TMJ patients benefit from simple, in-house solutions like occlusal guards before complex specialist referral. The short drive also makes wearing and adjusting guards practical.

TMJ disorders have multiple causes: grinding (bruxism), clenching (often stress-related), bite misalignment, joint inflammation, postural strain, or trauma. Dr. Bonin performs a comprehensive examination: he palpates the joint, assesses opening range and symmetry, listens for clicking or popping, analyzes bite relationships, and checks for muscle tenderness. Imaging (X-ray or MRI) is sometimes needed to assess joint structure. Treatment for most TMJ cases starts conservatively: heat therapy, jaw exercises, anti-inflammatories, and stress reduction.

Dr. Bonin's primary in-office tool is a custom occlusal guard (splint) worn nightly to prevent grinding-related wear and reduce muscle tension. The guard is fabricated from impressions, adjusted for comfort and bite, and refined over follow-up visits. For cases with severe joint damage, clicking that worsens, or symptoms unresponsive to conservative care, he refers to an oral surgeon or TMJ specialist. Physical therapy is often recommended alongside guard therapy.

Larkfield-Wikiup professionals managing stress, busy schedules, and work demands often grind and clench at night, waking with jaw pain or headaches. Custom guards are affordable, non-invasive, and effective for most functional TMJ cases. The proximity to Dr. Bonin means guard fabrication and adjustments don't derail work schedules.